Be part of the plan theme rings loud on Bio-diversity Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 22 2024:
As observed across the globe, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change and the Manipur Biodiversity Board organised the commemoration of "International Day for Biological Diversity" today under the theme "Be Part of the Plan" in separate events.
The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change held the ceremony at the State Botanical Garden located at Khonghampat.
MH Khan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change graced the event as the chief guest with Dr Kh Shamungou, Chairman, Technical Committee, State Wetland Authority Manipur and Dr H Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR North East Institute of Science and Technology Lamphelpat as the guests of honour and Dr T Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment and Climate Change as the functional president.
Speaking as the chief guest, MH Khan underscored the importance of conserving forest cover to protect biodiversity in Manipur.
Stating that the Manipur Forest Department and Directorate of Environment and Climate Change are making sincere efforts to protect the flora and fauna of the State, he added that plans are underway to secure more funding from India Government's Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Environment.
Dr Kh Shamungou shared that as a biodiversity hotspot, Manipur has 500-600 species of birds.
However, different species of both birds and animals have slowly disappeared, including elephants and tigers, while certain populations are in decline.
He attributed such decline in population in flora and fauna to their loss of habitat.
He pointed out the threat posed by the overgrowth of "para grass" to the habitat and food supply of Sangai in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
In addition, Dr H Birkumar Singh spoke about the need for young students to learn biological science and conduct more research on pertinent issues relating to environment and biodiversity.
The Department is conducting a study to assess the number of fauna lost and new fauna discovered as a result of climate change.
A report in this connection will be released very soon, said Dr T Brajakumar Singh.
He further shared that the Department is also compiling documents which give accounts of traditional knowledge about biodiversity, to be released in the near future.
Dr T Brajakumar also spoke about the decline of Shirui Lily and the degradation of wetlands and rivers.
He, then, extended his gratitude to the people of Khonghampat for the upkeep of the State Botanical Garden which hosts a number of plant species.
As a part of the event, fellows of the 5th State Level Media Fellowship Programme on Climate Change reporting were also felicitated.
Separately, the Manipur Biodiversity Board commemorated "International Day for Biological Diversity & Community Convention on Fishes" at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal located at North AOC today.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, MH Khan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, asserted that human beings have always maintained a close relationship with the environment for their survival.
It is important for people to promote air and water conservation and become more aware about biological diversity, he said.
Meanwhile, functional president Soreiphy Vashum, IFS, Member Secretary, Manipur Biodiversity Board, highlighted the need for people to protect the environment and learn about biodiversity issues, conservation of biological resources and sustainable use of resources through awareness programmes.
Manipur comes under the Himalayan and Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, but the rich biodiversity of the region has been threatened by increasing population which has led to deforestation and human encroachment on wetlands among others.
This has also caused significant damage to various animal species, said Soreiphy Vashum.
The effects of climate change have proven to be hugely detrimental to the rich biodiversity and ecosystems in the State, added the Member Secretary of Manipur Biodiversity Board.
Notably, Patricia Dorn, Project Manager, Indo-German Bilateral Cooperation Project (GIZ-NERAQ) was also present at the event as the guest of honour.
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